Iowans Hit the Stairs to Train for Annual Des Moines Event

Training, team building and fundraising start today for the biggest stair climb in Iowa, the Fight For Air Climb in downtown Des Moines. The American Lung Association in Iowa announced that registration is now open for the event, set for Sunday, April 7.

The Fight For Air Climb, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, invites individuals, families, groups of friends, corporate teams and first responders to race up the stairs of one, two, three or four buildings in downtown Des Moines, including the EMC, Financial Center, Hub Tower and Ruan buildings for a total of 85 floors, 1,796 steps. Money raised at the event funds research to find a cure for lung cancer and also supports local programs to help people who suffer from lung disease.

“The fall is the perfect time to start building your team, training and fundraising for the Fight For Air Climb. Stair climbing is a great way to stay active during the chilly Iowa winters, but also provides a fun activity for families, team building for corporate teams and a fundraising activity for students,” said Micki Sandquist, the executive director of the Lung Association. “The Fight For Air Climb brings the community together to fight for something that impacts us all—clean air and healthy lungs.”

In Iowa, more than 350,000 people suffer from lung disease, including more than 2,000 who battle lung cancer. The Fight For Air Climb raises awareness for lung disease, raises money for life-saving research, and funds critical local programing like educational programs to help local children better manage their asthma and free programs to help Iowans quit smoking.

Registration for the 2019 Fight For Air Climb is currently open online or by calling 515-309-9507. Climbers can register for a discounted price of $15 before Jan. 31.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About EMC Insurance Companies

EMC Insurance Companies is among the top 50 insurance organizations in the country based on net written premium, with more than 2,500 employees. Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMCC) was organized in 1911 to write workers’ compensation protection in Iowa. Today, operating under the trade name EMC Insurance Companies, the company provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide. EMCC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.emcins.com.